Just great, great brisket. I get a sliced brisket sandwich with some slaw every time. Too with some sliced pickles and jalapeños. I intend to try something else but never do. It's just too good not to have. read more

Been to the Hambone a few times. Brisket is just phenomenal. The ribs are lovely, and the cornbread has actual corn in it. haven't had the pulled pork, but Chef Jeff takes a moment to talk with me every time. I'm a huge fan of good bbq, and this is the best I've found in NJ. read more

I was very excited to try the brisket and pulled pork. Unfortunately, they were both extremely dry, and I had to smother it in the BBQ sauce so I could try and comsume it. I'm hoping it was just bad luck or the cook had an off day. It really upsets me that I had to trash most of what I bought because I really hate wasting food. I hate leaving bad reviews, but this was truly unacceptable, especially for what we paid for the items. I would be hesitant to try food there again because I can't afford to spend that type of money for food I may not be able to enjoy. On the bright side, the baby back ribs were very good. The BBQ sauce was also good and spicy, which I really liked. I left two star because of the two positive things I listed above. read more

If you're looking for real slow cooked smoked meat in the area, your choices are fairly limited. With that said, Hambone Opera really delivered when I tried them for the first time the other week, and those 5 stars are not a sliding scale. I kept it simple and went with the brisket sandwich and boy howdy was I happy with my choice. They really let the quality of the meat do the talking, no need to slather it in cover-up bbq sauce. Beans and slaw were solid sides. Now that I've had a sample, I'll be back soon to sample more of the menu. read more

It was fine. Nothing too freaking crazy. Service was fun and lively (st patricks day weekend) but my sandwich was kinda meh ngl to you

Holy slow-smoked bbq, Batman! This spot is legit! The 22-hour slow-smoked local wild cherry wood brisket is falling apart on my fork as I bring it to my lips. Wow. Trenton Farmers Market is a chintz and organic veg browser's dream come true. Committed only to "check it out" you go from booth to booth making mental notes. BUT.. HAMBONE OPERA WILL STOP YOU IN YOUR TRACKS Carving station at the counter featuring the best brisket you've ever had beckons you to go big. Electric knife shaves the hunk into small strips for weighing. Choose on its own, sandwich, or platter. Tip: go for the platter. PLATTER flavors and textures so perfectly selected to bring you the maximum flavor intensity and pleasure possible. ++ squishy bun soaks up all the sauce you can hit it with ++ slaw not to crunchy and spiked tart with celery seed ++ baked beans are perfectly sweet and soft ++++ add pickles, jalapeños, hot pepper ragu, and sauce with all your hot and spicy favorites. Enjoy your platter at the family dinner table, complete with leather covers (just like at grandma's). Buffet of sauces, pickles, peppers, sours, sweets, picantes, and napkins (!!) immediately behind. read more

The Hambone Opera - 22-hour slow smoked brisket carving station (pay by weight) - Barbeque Near Me - Lawrence Township, New Jersey

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Highly recommend.Best brisket in this area. Good size portions as well. The only negative thing is they don't accept cards.

Aside from the high price found across the board at Trenton Farmers Market, the baby back ribs offered by Smoke Chef Jeff of Hambone Opera are terrific. Meaty, tender, pull off the bone and barky, this hole in the wall is considered the best Q in New Jersey by those who know. The main man himself learned the wood science while in Texas and brought his experience and original notions with him when he came here. The sauce is Kansas City red tart, but the secret lies in the wild cherry wood logs with which the meats are smoked for 12-13 hours in the huge closed steel smoker out back of the market. The wood is the thing in the hands of a well trained smoke chef, and Jeff has developed it to the height of culinary arts it was meant to be. You can taste it in the mild sweetness in the heart of each rib before it is overcome by the spicy Kansas City rub and sauce, and yet again by the more tangy squirt squeezed on as the final step before eating. This was great BBQ. At $14/lb, it was not cheap, but what you would pay for eat in platters, not takeout. Nonetheless, sometimes the splurge is worthwhile. It certainly was this time. The brisket looked just as good, as did their smoked beans. Next time for those. read more

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Gerald S's recent review caused me to rethink my neglect for this incredible place. I'm in the farmers market several times a season and have only 1 excise as to why it's taken me so long to finally try it. That being my near total ignorance as to what constitutes good BBQ. But I'm a Joisey boy , the recent local options have been limited and not nearly on this level. And I've not made pilgrimages to any of the regions who can boast about making the real deal. A new place opened up that I was about to try, but I felt like I needed to start here before anyplace else. I decided on the brisket after consulting the reviews and the family member who would share it with me. To be honest I've not had brisket anywhere that really wowed me. But in hearing others talk, and seeing it on food shows, I felt it had to exist somewhere. It does, in a non descript shop in a forgotten farmers market. I ordered a lb of meat, a lb of beans and 4 rolls. $25 or so with tip. The meat was unlike any I've had, zero fat, great ratio of tasty burnt bits and a smooth but pronounced smoky flavor. Add to it the tart and smoky sauce, which was also possibly a best I've had, and this was carnivoral perfection. The kaiser rolls were fresh and doughy, a great delivery vehicle for the beef. The smoky baked beans were also incredible, a little spicy to my family member but he loved the peppers onions and overall flavor. Im ready to go back next week or sooner. Personally I'm getting the brisket again but told my uncle I'd get him the ribs. I'll likely get around to trying their other offerings too, but maybe after a few more fill ups. As for that other place, I think I might just hold off. When you've found true love, there is no need to stray. read more

I've eaten at this place several times and the food is usually good, very good barbecue and sides. This is only a review of the brisket the last time I went there. It was dry and not very good only because it was the end piece that may have been sitting there for a while under the heat lamp. I suggest if this is the case to cut off the end and maybe start off fresh where it would be juicy and tender? I don't know, I have had three different briskets at three different barbecue places in this area in the last 2 years and all of them were bad and dry maybe because they were warmed up. Brisket is meant to be tender Juicy and Delicious. I will be back and definitely take a look to see if the exposed brisket side looks dry and if so I would ask for a different cut and hopefully they give it to me read more

The Hambone Opera - Dry brisket barely ate it when got home - Barbeque Near Me - Lawrence Township, New Jersey

Overpriced and Overrated ! And the young girl touching her hair while slicing the Brisket was a disgusting move.

Tried Hambone today for the first time. I did a sampler of brisket, ribs and pulled pork - all delicious. The ribs have a nice kick. The pulled pork was juicy and delicious. The brisket was super tender and flavorful. The service was fast and friendly. The ambiance was clean and typical of a real barbecue restaurant- not a chain. This is a great place for barbecue. read more

Ok Me LOVE BBQ!! I used to have a smoker way back when so I can appreciate the love that goes into the process. The final outcome is glorious and orgasmic!! Jeff is the MAN with a smoker. We talked about his process bc knowledge and curiosity. My friends had the ribs and the brisket sandwich, they were out of pulled pork but was told by customers that its EPIC. The sandwich was HUGE it looked delicious but a little too fatty for me. I did take a bite of the rib (of course my friends share) it literally tasted like my own. Their bbq sauce was out of this world, I tried the spicy one and it was a sassy and smoky with a kick. YUM! well my friend decided she wanted to feed her family and her friends so she wiped them out of ribs and their chicken legs and wings. LOL Their smoked baked beans are by far the best in the entire world they were so soft but not fall apart and the flavors of peppers and onion and mmmmmm. I am not a fan of mayo coleslaw but it was pretty good. So we all went back home and dug in to the deliciousness that was Hambone Opera. The chicken was falling off the bone I added a nice drizzle of the spicy bbq and it was a party in my mouth and of course the nice heaping helping of baked beans on the side. They also do a cornbread which was sweet and cakey if that's your thing. (personally I like it gritty and savory) but it was delicious also, with the baked beans which I did mix in. SO if you haven't been here Wth are ya waiting for get you BBQ on!!! YOU will not be disappointed BEST BBQ NJ!! read more

The Hambone Opera - just a sample. They will also do pig roast with band music. - Barbeque Near Me - Lawrence Township, New Jersey

Hands down the best BBQ in Mercer County. The pork ribs are out of this world - tender, flavorful, pulls off the bone with ease. I also love the brisket - it is the gold standard for BBQ and HBO hits it out of the park. Get there early to make sure you have your choice of proteins and sides - they sell out early! Staff is friendly and moves the line. read more

The barbecue is so good! I can't even describe the flavors . . . they pull the beef and let it sit in drippings. When they put it on a roll, you definitely want to Slap Yo Momma! LOL. You can take home the pulled beef, brisket or a rack of ribs!! They offer sides, the sides are ok. So good, we went back 2 weekends in a row! read more

Finding real barbecue anywhere in New Jersey is certainly a happy find, but finding top-shelf, "are we in Texas" barbecue is a godsend. Jeff started supplying good wood to pitmasters out West, then heard there was no good Q in Jersey. Using, cherry, apple, oak and huge amounts of time, he produces meats (and chicken) that will make you moan. No gloppy strip mall ribs here, the baby Backs and St Louis are done to perfection. Beans and slaw are homemade and fabulous, as are the two sauces. "How is this in New Jersey?" you might ask. Still a minor miracle, 7 yrs in. read more

I moved from Texas 15 years ago and just found out about this place. Crazy good food. A proper cornbread, melt in your mouth brisket. Pulled pork and ribs are not to be missed. My family's life is now complete with proper BBQ. read more

Best BBQ I've ever had, words can't truly convey how delicious the pulled pork and smoky spicy beans are. The aromas, tastes and textures are divine. Can't wait to try more menu items! read more

After reading some not-so-hot reviews of another nearby BBQ joint, I came across the rave reviews for The Hambone Opera. Lunch plans were set. It helps to know that Hambone Opera has a stand in the Trenton Farmer's Market, a fact I missed when reading through other Yelp reviews. This also explained why they were only open until 4pm. Once at the market, we nearly walked right by the stand. I was just so excited for BBQ. The menu was pretty basic, ribs or sandwiches. Platters came with cole slaw and baked beans. I went with the brisket sandwich platter. The brisket was pulled and covered in mild sauce on a kaiser roll. The brisket itself was very tender and juicy and didn't really need the sauce. The cole slaw was nice and crunchy which indicated to me that it was freshly made. The beans were good but I later noticed big cans of Bush's baked beans in the kitchen so I think they were maybe just doctored up. At around $10 for my meal, I thought it was a great deal. They have a few tables and a counter and welcome you to stay there but meals are all packed to go. Don't miss the fixins bar with homemade pickles, peppers and onions. I was happy to find something so good in Trenton. read more

The Hambone Opera - Brisket sandwich platter - Barbeque Near Me - Lawrence Township, New Jersey

Mixed feeling here. The pulled pork is above average. The price charges was way off the menu and posted prices there. The menu has $14 a pound. They rung it up at $19. I asked what was going on and the person at the register said the prices had gone up and the typed price sheet taped on the counter was old. Seemed odd that they had a paper right by the register with $14 a pound and nothing showing new prices. Wouldn't have been hard to cross out the price and put an accurate one. Maybe that's more work than smoking the pork? I don't care what they charge but put the right price on the sheet so people know what things cost when they order. Either the cashier was just over charging and pocketing cash or the ownership is fine with putting out a menu with prices way cheaper than what they charge. If you like paying 20% over the written menu price then this is the place to go. read more

THIS BBQ IS AMAZING!!!!! By far, really far, our favorite. For me, tied with Salt Lick in Austin, TX. As a matter of fact, Chef Jeff got all his smoking/bbq training in Texas. Thank goodness he drove that smoker of his up here! His knowledge of how to smoke bbq (what wood, dryness level, etc) is vast and fascinating, but let's talk about his food! The perfectly smoked ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken and brisket are the kind that make you moan with pleasure after each and every bite. You can order by the pound, on a sandwich (not ribs lol) or as a platter with cole slaw (perfectly seasoned with lots of celery seed) and his baked beans (more about them in a moment). All the meats are immensely flavorful - meat and smoke in perfect balance, and very juicy. The ribs are fall-off-the-bone goodness. As for the beans, they're smoked with a combination of peppers giving a depth of flavor I've never had with baked beans. They are a meal in and of themselves. The place is a stall in the Trenton Farm Market with a quaint, wood paneled sitting area to enjoy your food. There's a small shelf with complementary onions, different kinds of peppers and mild and spicy hot sauce. This is one of our best finds. Ever. read more

The Hambone Opera - Barbeque Near Me - Lawrence Township, New Jersey

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I met Chef Jeff several years ago when he catered a Beer && BBQ event for Triumph Brewery in Princeton. Several years later I find myself working across the street from the Trenton Farmers' Market where this Montgomery Township resident has setup shop. The Hambone Opera is no frills. There is a small area nearby with tables and chairs but I generally get my meal to go. The wood-smoked baby backed ribs are delicious. I took home a pound and my 15 year old daughter and I packed it in. At least once a week I stop in for a platter of brisket sandwich ( I skip the large bun), smoked beans, and cole slaw. read more

I have been trying to get to the Hambone opera for too long. I was able to try out the Brisket, Pulled Pork and Chicken with sides slaw and beans. Well I have to say all of my food was out of this world and the smoke on the meat was as good as it gets. Oh and the corn bread was a big hit. read more

Been here several times and the ribs are outrageously good. Fall off the bone delicious. There bbq sauce is my favorite. Must place for sure. read more

Get this barbecue every week when I come to the farmers market. Lots of real smoke flavor in every bite. What I really like is that they carve it for you right at the counter and I can get exactly the amount I want. Come early so they don't run out of beans before you get there. read more

I'm a serious bbq fan, and this place is the real deal. All the meats are terrific (my favorite is the pulled pork with spicy bbq sauce). The baked beans are something really special. Will be back often. read more

Loved the food here. Ever since I visited Texas for work a few months ago I have been hooked on BBQ. Good BBQ is hard to find in this area but this was absolutely delicious. We had the Brisket and the Ribs. The ribs may honestly have been the best I've ever had. Super tender, crisp on the outside but melted in your mouth at the same time. Great smoked flavor on everything. Highly recommend this place. Not to mention, Chef Jeff was a great help in letting us try samples of everything. Very nice guy, great customer service and a great cook! read more

This has to be one of the best places in NJ for Ribs, wings and brisket. Its located in the Trenton Farmers Market. I had their smoked chicken wings and St. Louise Ribs, so darn good. Great Flavor and moist. Give this place a try and continue to support our local restaurants and the Trenton Farmers Market. I'm going back tomorrow for their brisket sandwich. read more

Excellent BBQ. Very plentiful platter portions and the baked beans with the jalapeños and onions were delicious. Recommended for take out as the place is a bit dark inside. We will definitely be back. read more

This is a stand at the Trenton Farmers Market. I ordered some take out and was pleased with the results.I had an excellent brisket sandwich and an order of ribs.The ribs were smoky and moist without being greasy or overly wet.In , brief the kind of ribs I tend to like best.The brisket was flavorful and comparatively lean.I plan to go back and try more items. read more

Of all the times I've been here I've never reviewed this little gem. It's one of my favorite things about the Trenton Farmer's Market. The owners are some of the sweetest business owners I've ever dealt with and the food is out of this world. I've had BBQ down south in Tennessee and this rivals it! I'll continue to come here as long as it's open. read more

The Hambone Opera - Lots of seating. - Barbeque Near Me - Lawrence Township, New Jersey

Got a big mix of everything for the whole family. The bbq was delicious. Juicy, smokey and melt in your mouth tender. And the beans were the best I've ever had. Everyone left very full and happy. . read more

The pool of grease from the pulled pork sandwich was disgusting. Literally soaked through the bread and had a large pool of grease. Couldn't finish it. read more

I'm a sucker for authenticity and hole-in-the-wall type places. I went to The Hambone Opera, located in Trenton Farmers Market, for the first time today. I'd seen the stand before, but they're only open Thursday-Saturday. I'm so glad I stopped in today! Chef Jeff and Marianne (Mary Ann?) are wonderful, friendly folks and their food is outstanding! I tried the pulled pork, brisket, ribs, baked beans, and coleslaw (yes, they were generous with the samples). It was all delicious but the baked beans were absolutely phenomenal! If they didn't give me a sample I would never even think to order them, but I'm so glad I did. I'll be stopping in and bringing friends next time! read more

Really great bbq. I had the brisket sandwich platter which was really good. The baked beans are THE BOMB! I tried some ribs also which were very good. The only reason I don't rate 5/5 is because the ribs are $$$. $30 for a rack of ribs is very high IMO. read more

Without questIon, these guys have the best pulled pork or brisket or ribs you're gonna find in the Trenton area. Add to that their special recipe for beans and cole slaw and you're in heaven!!! read more

The Hambone Opera - A fabulous pulled pork sandwich from the wonderful folks at Hambone Opera. Smoky, a little spicy, but not too spicy. Flavorful. - Barbeque Near Me - Lawrence Township, New Jersey

I had lunch today at the Hambone Opera BBQ inside the Trenton Farmer's Market. This will be my second time I passed by for lunch. My first visit was around Easter, it also happened to be the same day 'Hambone Opera BBQ' was featured in the local paper, so there was a 10-15 min wait in line. First visit I ordered the brisket sandwich with two sides ( coleslaw + baked beans) about $10 with a bottle of water. I ordered sandwich with no sauce as to get the taste of the meat/smoke first. They have pre-packed small sauce cups that come in two varieties ( sweet + spicy). I sampled both and both were good. I prefer to eat my brisket plain and only use sauces on my ribs, chicken, etc. The brisket sandwich was moist and flavorful with a nice smoke flavor and the roll was fresh and held up to this robust sandwich! The coleslaw was pretty standard but still fresh and crisp. The baked beans are homemade and have some good flavor as well, but a little runny for my liking. Today I ordered the ribs ($10lb). I ordered 3 ribs and two sides( coleslaw+beans) w/btl water. About $8. The ribs were very tender and moist as well along with a nice smoke ring. Hambone Opera slightly candies the sauce on the ribs creating this really very good bark on the outside of ribs! I certainly don't have anything bad to say about this place as I would definitely recommend it to anyone that needs a solid local BBQ joint that lives in the area. My only recommendation for them would be to kick the sides up a notch. Maybe some jalapeño coleslaw, baked beans with some added pulled pork, chicken, or brisket. I didn't notice any cornbread offered either(not 100% on that though...). I just have to say that I think Hambone Opera beats out the Amish chicken+rib place when it comes to their ribs without a doubt! Give it a try, you won't regret it! -GimmeYourBest Dish read more

One of the few authentic bbq joints in Mercer County so it gets 1 star just for that. The baby back ribs are very good - not over done and good smoke taste. Could be the best baked beans I've ever had. Other than that, food is nothing special. The brisket was major disappointment- tasted like roast beef deli meat. Brisket was mushy and no smoke taste. Same complaint about pulled pork - little to no smoke taste. read more

Delicious and fresh- everything is perfectly prepared and served with a smile. I'm not even a big meat eater and I fiend for their brisket. My only complaint, and it's really more of a suggestion, is that they only have cornbread on their catering menu, but they don't serve it at the farmer's market spot. They have typical deli tolls for sandwiches, but I like my BBQ with cornbread. Coleslaw is delicious and fresh- not a sloppy gloppy wilted mayo mess like most places. Beans are smoky spicy heaven. I love this place. read more

I had pulled pork and baked beans from Hambone Opera today. They were both FANTASTIC! Pulled pork was nice and moist and extremely tasty. The baked beans had great smoky taste and a bit of kick to it from a bit of jalapeño pepper mixed into it. It was delicious! I highly recommend this place! read more